Bipolar Disorder

• Four basic types of bipolar disorder

  • Bipolar I Disorder
  • Bipolar II Disorder
  • Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia)
  • Other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders
• Mania


  A manic episode is more than just a feeling of elation, high energy, or distraction. During a manic episode, mania can interfere with daily activities. Behaviors may include spending large amounts of money, engaging in risky behaviors, and psychotic episodes.
• Hypomania


  A hypomanic episode is a period of mania less severe than a manic episode. Behaviors still differ from your usual state, but are not severe enough to require hospitalization.
• Depression


  Depressive symptoms in someone with bipolar disorder are like those of someone with major depressive disorder. They may include extended periods of sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest in people and activities.
• Symptoms of bipolar I vs bipolar II

  • Bipolar I: Mania (yes), Hypomania (maybe), Depression (maybe)
  • Bipolar II: Mania (no), Hypomania (yes), Depression (yes)
  • Cyclothymia: Mania (no), Hypomania (mild, not full episode), Depression (mild, not full episode)
• How doctors diagnose bipolar disorder I and II

  1. Review medical history and symptoms related to mania and depression

  2. Bring partner or close friend to provide additional information

  3. Blood test to rule out other possible causes
• Treatment for bipolar disorder I and II

  • Medication
  • Psychotherapy (e.g. CBT, DBT, IPSRT, family-focused therapy, psychoeducation)
  • Lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, sleep, avoid substances)
• Effects of untreated bipolar disorder

  • Impacts personal life (challenges with thinking, emotions, relationships)
  • Increases mental health risks (suicide, mood episode severity)
  • Affects work (difficulty finding/keeping job, reduced productivity)
• Cyclothymia is another type of bipolar disorder where people experience high and low moods, though they are not often as severe as full hypomanic or depressive episodes
• Differences in symptoms between bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia

  • Bipolar I: Mania, maybe depression
  • Bipolar II: Hypomania, depression
  • Cyclothymia: Mild highs and lows, not full episodes
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy

  (IPSRT)

  focuses on helping people with bipolar disorder regulate their daily routines. The routines can include your sleep-wake cycles, social interactions, work, hobbies, and eating patterns.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

  The goal of DBT is to help people with bipolar disorder learn new skills for regulating emotions, improving relationships, and reducing impulsive behaviors.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

  CBT is one of the most widely studied and commonly used forms of talk therapy. CBT aims to help people recognize and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to their symptoms.
• Family-focused therapy (FFT)


  can help people with bipolar disorder by improving relationship dynamics. The improvement is important because healthy, strong relationships can increase your chances of entering remission.
• psychoeducation 


  involves learning about your condition it is universally helpful for people with bipolar disorder. In other words, psychoeducation tends to help all people with bipolar disorder, no matter their symptoms.